Motor control system adapted for telephone answering and message recording



Dec. 24, 1963 E. R. SALZBERG ETAL 3,115,597

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM ADAPTED FOR TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND MESSAGE RECORDING Orlglnal Flled Nov. 50, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 AMPLIFIER AMPUF'ER L EXISTING Q Q BEEP ERAS: osc TELEPHONE 3 5' EQUIPMENT U 26 I EMMETT R. SALZBERG BY DAVID M. GOODMAN FIG. l wo/ Dec. 24, 1963 E. R. SALZBERG ETAL 3,115,597

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM ADAPTED FOR TEIEPHONE ANSWERING AND MESSAGE RECORDING Original Filed Nov. 30, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 .lllliil] INVENTORS EMMETT R. SALZBERG BY DQVID M. GOOWAN Arroauar Nae i E L FIG. 2

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Dec. 24, 1963 E. R. SALZBERG ETAL 3,115,597

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM ADAPTED FOR TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND MESSAGE RECORDING Original Filed Nov. 50, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS EMMETT R. SALZBERG FIG. 4 BY DAVID M. GOODMAN ATTORNEY Dec. 24, 1963 E. R. SALZBERG ETAL 3,115,597

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM ADAPTED FOR TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND MESSAGE RECORDING Original Filed Nov. 50, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 \OUTGOING MESSAGE FIG. 5

INVENTORS EMMETT R. SALZBERG y DAVID M. GOODMAN ATTORNEY Dec. 24, 1963 E. R. SALZBERG ETAL ,597

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM ADAPTED FOR TELEPHONE ANSWERING AND MESSAGE RECORDING Original Filed Nov. 50, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IISA FIG. 9

INVENTORS EMMETT R. SALZBERG DAVID M. GOODMAN flzgwhg ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,115,597 MQTQR CONTROL YSTEM ADAPTED FQR TELEPHUNE ANSWERING AND MESSAGE RECURDING Emmett R. Salzberg, 514 W. 110th St., New York, N.Y., and David M. Goodman, Seaford, N.Y.; said Goodman assignor to said Salzherg Continuation of application Ser. No. 395,165, Nov. 30, N53, now Patent No. 2,928,898, dated Mar. 15, 1960. This application May 11, 1959, Ser. No. 812,455

3 Claims. (Cl. 31s 4ss This invention relates to telephone-answering and message-recording instrumentation. In particular it is directed to a device integrated with the standard telephone. It will, at the discretion of the subscriber, respond to incoming calls, deliver a predetermined message to the caller, instruct the caller how to deliver a message which will be recorded by the instrument, which messages can be listened to later by the subscriber.

Devices intended to perform one or more of these functions have been heretofore proposed. Such earlier devices lacked the basic conception of this invention having as its fundamental principle the integration of the answering and message-recording instrumentation with the circuits and apparatus of the telephone served therewith. The prior devices generally were physically separated from the telephone which they were set to serve; and often used mechanical rather than electrical means of operation. Accordingly, they were large, complex, delicate and expensive to manufacture. The resulting service problems, high price and unwieldiness retarded their acceptance in practical daily use to any substantial extent.

Accordingly, it is one of the fundamental objects of this invention to provide all these functions in a practical, simple-to-operate, inexpensive manner with a single integrated instrument which can be operated easily by the subscriber.

In its fundamental aspects, the objectives of this invention are achieved by a combination of circuits and mechanical means that are integrated with the circuits and mechanism of the telephone. The invention utilizes the mouthpiece and the earpiece" of the telephone in the performance of its functions. The invention may be generally described as follows:

Suitable means are provided for the storage and controlled reproduction of both the subscribers announcement (outgoing message) and the storage and controlled reproduction of incoming messages. The outgoing messages are recorded on a relatively short storage medium, such as a loop of recording tape, whereas the incoming messages are recorded on a longer medium, such as a finite length of tape. Both of these storage media are driven by one means, such as a motor which controls, and in turn is controlled by, a timing and switching mechanism.

The switching mechanism also controls the direction of transmission and mode of operation of multi-purpose amplifiers.

These multi-purpose amplifiers funtion in:

(a) impressing the subscribers announcement (intelligence) on the storage loop;

(b) Repeating the subscribers outgoing message to him for verification;

(c) Repeating that announcement to each caller;

(0.) Recording each incoming call (intelligence);

(2) Reproducing for the subscriber the received intelligence;

(f) Supplying tone signals or beeps;

(g) Erasing the intelligence stored on the loop;

(h) Erasing the intelligence stored on the tape.

3,115,597 Patented Dec. 24, 1963 The timing mechanism which is an integration of the motor, the loop, the tape and the switching systems performs the following functions:

(a) Provides a predetermined interval until the device begins to run through an operating cycle of 1) announcements and (2) those operations which follow;

(b) Connects a current line to a relay which performs the electrical equivalent of lifting or depressing the telephone receiver or the handset;

(c) Controls the delivery of the subscribers announcement;

(d) Controls the interval between, and the duration of, the signal beeps;

(e) Controls the time allocated for the subscribers announcement and for the reception of incoming calls;

(f) Causes the device to operate as an unanswered telephone when the recordable portion of the intelligence storage means for the reception of incoming calls has reached the recordable limit;

(g) Resets the device when current is restored in the event of a current failure;

(11) Signals, by means of beeps, when to begin and end the recording of a desired announcement;

(i) Signals, by means of beeps that the callers message is being recorded in accordance with F.C.C. regulations;

(j) Enables the subscriber to play back his announcement for verification.

The manually operated circuit-controlling means performs the following functions:

(a) Connects current to the amplifiers, the motor and the relay;

(5) Reverses the direction of the motor and causes it to run at high speed with an audible hum While rewinding;

(c) Performs the electrical equivalent of maintaining the telephone receiver or the handset depressed;

(d) Supplies bias current to the mouthpiece of the telephone;

(6) Connects the ringing circuit of the telephone so that incoming calls will be signalled at all times;

(f) Causes the tape to run at regular speed forward during the play-back of received calls;

(g) Reverses the direction of transmission through an amplifier so that intelligence stored on the tape is trans mitted to the earpiece of the telephone;

(h) Reverses the direction of transmission through an amplifier so that the subscribers announcement spoken into the mouthpiece is transmitted to the loop;

(i) Causes an amplifier to oscillate at an erasing frequency, and controls the direction of transmission thereof to provide, as required: erasure of the loop, or erasure of the tape;

(j) Switches the direction and the output of the amplifiers to provide for simultaneous erasure of a recorded announcement and the storage of a new announcement;

(k) Provides additional side-tone so that the subscriber may hear the beeps that define the interval allocated for the recording of an announcement;

(l) Allows for monitoring incoming calls;

(In) Allows the subscriber, during the course of an incoming call, if he desires, to pick up the handset and converse with the caller.

Further objects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of this invention as taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the relationship of subsequent FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 constitute collectively a schematic illustration of an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 is diagrammatic illustration of a finite tape for recording intelligence, and which also embodies means for controlling timing sequences.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of an intelligence storage tape that also provides control of timing sequences.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of another means for timing and controlling the operation of the instrument, when used with tapes that provide only for storage of intelligence.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of means for varying the effective length of time and/ or controlling means, in the form of conductive portions, on tape.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of means for maintaining movement of the finite tape at uniform speed.

Referring to the block diagram in FIG. 1 taken in conjunction with the details of the circuitry shown collectively in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the general sequence of operation will now be set forth as follows:

To set the device in operation the subscriber throws circuit-controlling means 56 to the on position. To record an outgoing message, i.e., an announcement or salutation, the subscriber actuates circuit controlling means 14% Means 140 is self-recoverable, as for example by spring loading, and returns to the off position when pressure thereon is removed. The time allocated for the announcement is indicated by signals, as for example beeps. The first beep indicates the start of the allocated time and the second indicates the end thereof. To check the announcement thus recorded means for listening to the same are provided by actuating means 84. If the subscriber desires to make a change in his recorded message, another one may be recorded in place thereof by reperforming the outgoing message recording sequence just described.

If the subscriber wishes to leave the device unattended, circuit-controlling means 56 is thrown to the rewind position until the rewinding is completed and switch actuating means 56 is left in the on position.

When a call comes in, and after a predetermined ringing period, the device is locked into operation; the caller is connected with the instrument as if the handset had been lifted, and he hears the recorded announcement. If the caller desires to leave a message he does so by speaking into his own telephone in the normal manner.

When the subscriber desires to listen to messages received and recorded by this device, circuit-controlling means 56 is thrown to the rewind position until a signal, as for example the hum of the motor 126 stops, indicating that the tape is fully rewound. Means 56 returns to its normal position, as for example by spring loading, when released. The subscriber then moves means 84 to the play back position and listens to the recorded messages through the earpiece of the telephone.

As hereinafter explained the device provides for answering a predetermined number of incoming telephone calls after which it operates as a normal unanswered telephone.

The telephone always rings audibly in the normal manner whether the device is in use or not; and the telephone may be used as a normal telephone at any time by placing means 56 in the off position.

The detailed sequence of operations is:

When the subscriber proceeds to record an announcement, switch actuating means 56 having been set to on, and after having been fully rewound, he operates circuitcontrolling means 140. This actuation operates circuitmaking means 128, 130, 132, 134, 136 and 138 and also 60 and 62. Switch contacts 60 and 62 are operated by any or all circuit actuating means 56, 84- and 140 as shown symbolically in FIG. 3. The results thereof are:

(a) By means of 66 and 62, the handset may be lifted while the telephone lines are left in a condition equivalent to that before the handset was raised;

(1)) Circuit-making means 62 also allows incoming '1 calls to ring the telephone in the usual manner at any time through telephone lines 22 and 24;

(c) Circuit-making means 123 also supplies bias current from amplifier-supply 5th for electrical operation of transmitter 34;

(d) Circuit-making means 136 supplies current from supply 50 through resistor 48, so that motor 126 operates forward at recording speed;

(e) Circuit-making means 134 sets amplifier 76 into oscillations at erasing frequency by means of condenser 7t) and inductor 72 which is transmitted through circuitmaking means 88 and 1136 to transducer 122 which thereupon erases any previously recorded announcement stored on loop 124;

(f) Circuit-making means 132 connects the beep output of amplifier 74 reduced in volume by resistors 118, and causes this beep signal to be heard in earpiece 32;

(g) Circuit-making means 138 connects mouthpiece 34 to the input of amplifier 74 and transmits the output of amplifier 74 to transducer 126 which impresses subscribers message on loop 124; simultaneously the sidetone on the handset is modified through switch 132 by resistors 118;

(It) On completing the recording of the announcement the subscriber releases circuit-controlling means 140. To check the announcement circuit-controlling means 56 is held in the rewind position until the rewind is completed and is then placed in the on position. The subscriber may then check the message through earpiece 32 by placing circuit-controlling means 84 in the play back position. The tape is rewound by circuit-controlling means 56 and the device may now be left unattended.

The device is thus made ready for the reception of incoming messages when circuit-controlling means 56 remains, or is set to the on position. Contact 64 supplies current to the motor and amplifier supply 50. When a call comes in the following detailed sequence of operations takes place:

(a) The telephone ringing current energizes ringer 28, and closes contacts 36 which closes for the duration of the ring; the contacts 30 may be spring-biased for controlling the duration of the pulses.

(b) Motor supply 50 supplies current to motor 126 through contacts 30 thereby moving the loop 124, the finite tape 116, the timer and controller 92, until the controller electrically connects contacts 104 by means of conductive strip 96.

(0) Contacts 104 thus closed, thus maintains the forward motion of motor 126 and of the loop 124, etc., independently of the ringing current and prior to the electrical connection of contacts .106.

(d) Contacts 106 thus closed, supplies current to relay 36 which in turn operates contacts 38, 4t) and 42, thus in effect lifting the handset or taking the receiver off the hook, and connecting the incoming caller to the device.

(e) Transducer 120 transducers the intelligence recorded on loop 124 and transmits the same through appropriate contacts of switch means 138 to the input of amplifier 74. The output of amplifier 74 goes back through 133, through direct-current blocking condenser 44, and is impressed across the telephone transmitter 34. In this manner intelligence stored on the loop 124 is delivered through the telephone lines 24 and 26 to the caller. After one cycle of the announcement, contacts 112 close through the conductive element 98 thereby shorting the output of transducer #120.

(f) Contacts will be connected electrically for the interval determined by the span of conductive element 94'. The closing of contacts he sets amplifier 74 into oscillations at a frequency controlled by condenser 66 and inductor 68 which generate the beeps which, during regular operation are transmitted to the transmitter 34 and thence to the lines 24 and 26. These beeps notify the caller that his message is being recorded as provided in the regulations of the Federal Communications Comamass? mission. The incoming message is received across the earpiece 32 (in the conventional manner) and at the same time is transmitted through blocking condensers 44 and 46, through switch contacts 38, to the input of amplifier '76. The output of amplifier 76 goes back through contacts 8t; and through 136, and is recorded on the finite tape lilo by means of transducer 114.

(g) At the end of the time alottcd for recording incoming intelligence predetermined by the span of 93, ring segment 96 has been rotated into the position where contacts 1% open, thus ole-energizing relay 36, thereby disconnecting the telephone from the line by actuation of switch contacts 38, 4t and 42. The motor 126 continues to rotate carrying controller 92 around for a short distance until contacts lllhl are opened. The device has thus completed a cycle and is ready to receive the next incoming call by transducing the subscribers recorded announcement; and repeating the cycle of operations.

(/1) If current should fail during an operating cycle, the caller will be disconnected. When that happens, the telephone operates as a normal unanswered instrument. When current is restored, it is transmitted through contacts lltld and M8 and thence to motor 126 so that the device completes the interrupted cycle.

The duration of the aforementioned predetermined ringing period is controlled by the span between the end 110 of segment 96 and the beginning 162 of the segment.

When the subscriber desires to listen to the messages from the outside that had been recorded, he places means 56 in the rewind position; and the following detailed sequence of operations takes place:

(a) The holding of in the rewind position maintains current through 52, and motor high speed to rewind rao operates at tape lid by means of reversing switch 53 and contacts which, by shorting out increases the power to motor 126. Whether any messages have in fact been receiver. may be indic ted "-d counted by various means, as for example the interrn tent audible hum of motor during rewind. The telephone will be maintained in the handset down position during the rewind by means of circuitcontrolling means so and Means may be utilized for stopping the motor upon completion of the rewind. Such means may be a combination of a plurality of discs mounted on the controller shaft, each disc being provided with a pcripherally disposed lug which, when the desired number of revolutions have elapsed result in the interlocking of each lug with a corresponding member on an ad acent disc so as effectively to stop the motor. The means just described ma also be used to lock the instrument at the end of a predetermined number of calls, in such a manner that the device operates a normal unanswered teleph us. When the aLlCllbhZ hum stops, the subscriber changes from the rewind to the on position.

(b) To listen to the recorded incoming messages, means 34- is moved to the play-back" position and the earpiece oi the telephone is used for such listening. Positioning means 534 in the o b ack position actuates contacts 6t} and which peiiorm the equivalent of lcaving the handset down. Circuit-controlling means 62 also allows incoming calls to be signaled by the telephone ringer 28 in the normal manner. Simultaneously, the positioning of means as in the play-back position closes contacts 86 which results in motor running in the forward direction at normal speed.

Transducer 11d transduces the messages stored on tape 116 into electrical energy which is transmitted through contacts i326 and through contacts to the input of amplifier 76. The output of amplifier goes back through contacts 88, through blocking condensers ed and 46 and is impressed across the earpiece Th, me"- sages received on tape 116 can be played back by rewinding tape 11.6 and then repeating the play back. In this way desired portions of a recorded message can be repeated or played back as desired.

To erase the messages recorded on tape 11d circuitcontrolling means lid is placed into, and held in, the erase position. Circuit-controlling means 82 and 78 cause the motor 26 to rewind high speed. Simultaneously, means fill are closed causing amplifier 76 to oscillate at an erase frequency determined by condenser 7t} and inductor '72. The erase output of amplifier '76 goes through circuit-controlling means 83 and 136 into the head of transducer 11M thereby erasing the intelligence. The end of the erase interval is signaled by the cessation of the audible rewinding hum.

Referring to PEG. 6, there is shown a tape and contacts which provide the combination of a tape for recording of intelligence and having thereon means for controlling the various timings hereinbefore described. The tape 15% has a recording section 116A. The transducer 1114A is akin to 114. The tape is provided with three sets of slots. Slot 96A, in combination with contacts 1 34A, lltltiA and lilz'lA (akin to corresponding contacts l d-l, Zion and 3th?) provide the timing that those corresponding members furnish. Slot 93A in combination with 112A (akin to H2) and slot lA in combination with 96 A (akin to i tl) provide the timing furnished by the aforesaid corresponding members.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a tape 1%, which functions in a manner analogous to that of the tape shown in FIG. 6 except that the timing is provided by means of surface conductive contact strips rather than the slots. The conductive strips MB, 968 and QSB in combination with the respective contacts 1MB, idol and (akin to M4, 1% and lild), 1112B (akin to M2) and 96B (akin to so respectively, provide the timing means furnished by the aforesaid corresponding parts.

When a tape is used that provides the timing means shown in H6. 6, a short section of tape is left unperforated at each end to assure that all contacts are left disposed in open condition. Similarly, when a tape is used that provides the timing means shown in FIG. '7, a short non-conducting section is left at each end to provide the correspond. assurance that all contacts are left open.

In KG. 8 there is shown a rotating drum 176 having thereon conductive strips which are akin to the conductive strips on the disc d2. The contacts lll-tC, W6C, fulfill, 112C and QtlC, respectively to EM, 1%, 1'33, 15.2 and t ll, provide the timing sequence of those corresponding parts.

PEG. 9 shows how the effective length of a conductive strip on a tape, such as illustrated in A16. 7, may be The ends of such strips, as at 182 and varied. 184*, are d posed angularly. The contacts and 1&8 are mounted so as to move transversely of the tape. By adjustment of screws 1% and 19.2, the arms i5 4 and 196 are moved across the tape so that they engage with, or become disengaged from, the conductive strips at varying longitudinal positions on the tape.

FIG. 10 shows means for moving the finite tape at uniform linear speed. Thus, one end of the tape is fastened to free-turning hub and wound thereon. The other end of the tape is then connected to the hub intermediate these hubs there is positioned the capstan that revolves at constant speed. Hubs and 2432 spring loaded toward the capstan, the shaft of which is driven by appropriate means. The rotation of the capstan at a constant speed transfers the tape from hub to hub 2%2 or vice versa at uniform speed.

if desired, in order to reduce the electrical circuitry, mechanical means, as for example linkage, may be provided between post til and bar 23 to eliminate tit) and The positioning of bar 23 is controlled by cradle arm 21.

In lieu of the magnetic recording tape shown as the intelligence storing and reproducing means, other means, as for example wire, may be used. Also, in lieu of either of those electromagnetic means for recording intelligence, there may be used electrostatic means.

The telephone-answering and messagerecording system of this invention may be connected with appropriate devices akin to those used in telephone exchanges for the purpose of counting or otherwise measuring the calls made to subscribers. The telephone company may also furnish the bias current supplied through contacts 123 while the subscriber records his outgoing announcement. A means for supplying such bias current may be arranged by providing a particular dialing number which the subscriber must dial in order to be supp ied with this current.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 395,165, filed November 36, 1953, now Patent No. 23283 S.

We claim:

1. In combination with a tape carrying conductive material lengthwise and having an interruption in said conductive material, the combination comprising an electrict motor, means controlled by said motor for moving the tape, circuits means for energizing said motor, a switch in said circuit means controlled by t .e conductive material in said tape, and means in the circuit means for deenergizing said motor to stop movement of said tape when said interruption reaches said switch.

2. In a device for controlling stopping and re ycling of a continuous recording tape of the type having an electrically conductive surface formed with an interruption, the combination comprising an electric motor, means controlled by electric motor for moving the record tape, a pair of spaced electrically conductive switch elements transversely disposed with respect to said tape, means for guiding said tape past said switch elements so that side portions of said conductive back surface are in contact with said switch elements as the tape moves and said elements are bridged until said interruption is reached, and circuit means for energizing said motor and for deenergizing said motor to stop movement of the tape when the interruption in the tape reaches at least one of said switch elements, a remote switch in said circuit means and means operative when said remote switch is actuated to reenergize said motor for again moving the record tape.

3. The combination of claim 1, a remote switch in said circuit means, and means in said circuit means, controlled by said remote switch, operative when said remote switch is actuated after said motor has been deenergized, to re-energize said motor for again moving the tape.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNETED STATES PATENTS 2,673,241 Van Deventer Mar. 23, 1954 2,673,242 Van Levcnter Mar. 23, 1954 2,834,928 Carter Mar. 13, 1958 

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A TAPE CARRYING CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL LENGTHWISE AND HAVING AN INTERRUPTION IN SAID CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING AN ELECTRICT MOTOR, MEANS CONTROLLED BY SAID MOTOR FOR MOVING THE TAPE, CIRCUITS MEANS FOR ENERGIZING SAID MOTOR, A SWITCH IN SAID CIRCUIT MEANS CONTROLLED BY THE CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL IN SAID TAPE, AND MEANS IN THE CIRCUIT MEANS FOR DEENERGIZING SAID MOTOR TO STOP MOVEMENT OF SAID TAPE WHEN SAID INTERRUPTION REACHES SAID SWITCH. 